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About the Study Guide

You are looking at a preview of what’s in the timed New Hampshire OHRV/Snowmobile Ed Course.
Feel free to look around, but you’ll need to register to begin progress toward getting your New Hampshire OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education Certificate.

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when tissue freezes. The best prevention is to avoid severe weather. If you're caught in extremely cold weather, pay attention to your head and extremities, such as fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Wear a face cover if the temperature is below 0° F (-18° C). If you experience any symptom of frostbite, treat it immediately.

Contributing Factors

Extreme cold

Wet clothing, or lack of protective clothing and gear

Wind chill

Poor circulation

Preventing Frostbite

Wear clothing to protect vulnerable areas, especially appendages.

Avoid fabrics that retain moisture.

Before exposure, avoid alcohol and smoking and get plenty of food and rest.

In prolonged exposure, find shelter and stay active.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Frostbite

Skin turns off-white.

Prickly or tingling feeling occurs as ice crystals form.

Pain may be present initially, then disappears as frostbite progresses.

In severe cases, victim experiences a loss of feeling in the affected area.

Treating Frostbite

Warm the affected area with body heat but avoid rubbing the area—it can damage tissue.

Don't use hot water or other external heat sources, which could cause burns.